Netflix launched its gaming platform just over a year ago, and it has today detailed the next bunch of games that will come to the service. So far, 55 games have dropped for Netflix including indie darlings such as Before Your Eyes and Immorality, well-established franchises such as TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge as well as extremely successful games based on Netflix properties such as Too Hot To Handle.
Netflix plans to launch another 40 games before the end of the year, with 70 in development from partners as well as 16 being developed at in-house Netflix studios, and sitting alongside the likes of Xbox Game Pass as just another way to play games with an existing subscription, it’s a pretty decent win for all.
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NETFLIX’S NEXT CROP OF GAMES
- Highwater is available today
- Tera Nil will be available on March 28th
- A new Too Hot To Handle game coming later this year
- Mighty Quest: Rogue Palace on April 18th
- Monument Valley 1 and 2 are coming next year with more Monument Valley teased to be on the way
- A new game from Super Evil Megacorp based on an upcoming Netflix release
We also had the chance to speak to Netflix’s VP of External Games, Leanne Loombe about the current and future state of Netflix Games:
How does Netflix balance the amount of games that are based on Netflix properties with existing gaming franchises
Leanne Loombe: Our goal is to build a diverse portfolio of games, so we eventually have a game that appeals to every one of our millions of members across the world. We’re still early in our games journey, so there are no set guidelines for how many of each type of game we have, but rather, the focus is on getting the best games possible for our members. With Too Hot to Handle, for example, we learned there’s a lot of overlap between members who love both unscripted series and narrative simulation games. The game has been such an early success for us that we’re partnering with developer Nanobit on a sequel that will launch timed to Season 5 of the Too Hot to Handle series later this year.
Has the uptake of Netflix for Games met expectations and helped grow corresponding franchises?
LL: Expanding and enhancing the worlds of Netflix IP is one of the most interesting opportunities we see as a games studio. It’s still early days, but we’re already seeing exciting early signs. For example, a significant number of Too Hot to Handle: Love is a Game players had never seen the series before, and actually went on to watch the show after playing the game. Creating fans of a franchise can go both ways, which is super exciting for us.
Right now the suite of Netflix games are primarily mobile. With Netflix wanting to have a game for everyone in its staple, is working towards more traditional AAA experiences something the company is exploring?
LL: We are working towards more AAA experiences, though that can mean something different to everyone. For Netflix, we’re primarily focused on mobile games right now, including AAA games, but our long-term vision is to be on whatever screens our members are on, and that includes TV and web.
What is the most surprising stat that you’ve come across since the launch of Netflix Games?
LL: I can tell you a couple of numbers I’m really proud of. One is that we can localize our games in up to 33 languages, and another is that we have 70 games in development with external partners. These are both really meaningful because our goal at Netflix is to entertain the world, and our north star for games is to become a destination for must-play titles. Both of these numbers, especially at such an early stage, are exciting steps in the right direction.
With games like Immortality and Black Mirror Bandersnatch that bring interactive elements to more cinematic experiences, does Netflix see this as a way forward for more interactive storytelling that aren’t necessarily traditional games?
LL: Right now we’re very much focused on mobile gaming and we’ve also announced we’re exploring cloud gaming which is in the very early stages from a technology perspective. So while we’re always open for ideas and discussions most of our time is spent chatting to developers about getting the best mobile games possible for Netflix.
